Job Responsibilities

Patient care specialists are important members of the healthcare team who often hold a high level of experience and ability.  Under the direction of the Nursing staff, they provide the most basic level of patient care, for those who need only minimal assistance to those who are totally dependent. Patient care specialists provide the support needed for daily living ; this includes duties such as feeding, dressing, grooming, moving, and changing linens. He or she also answers patients' call bells, serves meals ensuring nutritional requirements are met, dress, bathe and assist with other personal care tasks.  These specialists take temperatures, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure; perform glucometer tests; and help patients get in and out of bed or walk. They may also assist with elimination, help patients exercise or assist in physical therapy, collect patient blood, urine and tissue samples, sterilize equipment, and provide assistance in medical procedures or post mortem care. This person is often called to do tasks that are physically and emotionally demanding. Patient care is a job that requires heart-felt compassion and a desire to make people comfortable and happy. 

Patient care professionals should be tactful, patient, understanding, healthy, emotionally stable, dependable, and have a desire to help people. They should also be able to work as part of a team, have good communication skills, and be willing to perform repetitive, routine tasks. Health care workers must be in good health. A physical examination, including a tuberculosis test and immunization records/updates will be required.